Feat

INVASION--Charles Christian Werten-baker--Applefon-Century ($2.50).

The first book about the invasion of Normandy, from D-day to the fall of Cherbourg, represents a remarkable publishing feat. Largely written in France, it was assembled and refurbished during a fortnight in London, dispatched to the publishers piecemeal. The last chapters reached the U.S. by courier less than three weeks before publication.

Author Charles Christian Wertenbaker, 44, is chief military correspondent for TIME and LIFE. Shrewd, affable, tweedy "Wert," a seasoned reporter and able writer whose previous books have ranged from Boojum (a college novel) to A New Doctrine for the Americas, went to England in March, spent the three months before D-day diligently acquainting himself with Allied leaders, men and material. He gives full marks to General Eisenhower, but his particular heroes are Lieut. Generals Walter Bedell ("Beedle") Smith, the planner, and Omar Bradley, the U.S.' field commander.

Correspondent Wertenbaker's vivid, thoughtful account of his own observations in France is supplemented by lengthy quotations from A.P. Correspondent Don Whitehead and LIFE Photographer Robert Capa, who went in at the toughest point of the Normandy beach, and TIME Correspondent William Walton, who jumped with a paratroop unit. The result is a well-rounded account, and first-rate journalism.

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